DoD News

News Article

Rumsfeld, Rice: U.S. Will Stand by Britain in Face of Terror

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2005  If terrorists thought they could intimidate the people of a great nation during today's attacks in London, "they picked the wrong people and the wrong nation," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said in a statement released today.

History is filled with examples of tyrants, fascists and terrorists intent on carrying out violence against the British people "only to founder," Rumsfeld said.

"Before long," the secretary predicted, "I suspect that those responsible for these acts will encounter British steel." It's a steel of "uncommon strength" that "does not bend or break," he said.

"The British people have learned from history that this kind of evil must be confronted. It cannot be appeased," Rumsfeld said. Giving in to terrorists' demands will only increase their demands, he said.

Rumsfeld reiterated President Bush's commitment made earlier today that the United States will stand by Britain's side in the face of this threat.

Earlier today at the British Embassy here, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the attacks will only re-energize efforts to counter terrorism.

"It will, in fact, only strengthen the resolve of Great Britain, of Prime Minister (Tony) Blair and his government, and of the people of Great Britain to make certain that terrorists know that they cannot win," she said. "We remain resolved in our determination to root out this scourge against humanity and against civilization."

Rice expressed America's "deepest sympathies and our solidarity" to the people of Great Britain.

David Manning, British Ambassador to the United States, called the outpouring of support from the American people today "enormous and overwhelming."

"We are very touched by it" and feel "a great solidarity" with the American people, he said.

Manning said the British people "will not be shaken" by today's attacks. "We have got to deal with terrorism, and we will deal with terrorism," he said. "And it may take time, but we will win."

Terrorists "want to move the world backward" while the rest of the freedom-loving world, including those at today's Group of Eight summit of leaders from industrialized nations, are working to move it forward, Manning said.

"They will not prevail," he said of the terrorists. "We shall prevail. And it is enormously encouraging to know that we have such a close bond with our American partners."